VATICAN CITY, April 21 (UPI) -- Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Robert W. Finn, an American bishop who failed to report suspected child abuse by a priest.
Finn plead guilty to a misdemeanor in 2012 for failing to report Rev. Shawn Ratigan of suspected abuse. Finn led the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri.
The Vatican confirmed Francis' acceptance of Finn's resignation according to a code of canon law that states "a diocesan bishop who has become less able to fulfill his office because of ill health or some other grave cause is earnestly requested to present his resignation from office."
Finn will continue being a bishop, but will not head the the Kansas City Diocese. Pope Francis will choose Finn's replacement.
Finn was sentenced to two year's probation and was the first U.S. bishop convicted in a criminal court for failing to report a suspect abuser. Ratigan plead guilty to child pornography charges and was sentenced to 50 years imprisonment.
